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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

16 Gifts that will make the world a better place

As some of
you know, my daughter has been involved in Plan Canada’s “Because I am a Girl”
program, so when I was poking around the Net looking for gift ideas, these offerings from
Plan Canada immediately caught my eye.

I’ve given a baby goat before – they are
just too cute. This year, I was thinking maybe I’d spring for a clutch of baby
chicks. Though what I’m seriously thinking about is a baby water buffalofor a family in Punjab. Costs $250 (which is a lot for me) but gets matched
with an additional $1,000 from government or institutional donors – so a great
deal. ~Brian

What if one
gift could give expectant moms what they need to keep themselves and their
babies healthy, offering one less worry? Packed with essentials like tools for
safe deliveries, swaddles and hygiene supplies, this kit to support both
newborns and new moms is it.

A pair of
shoes, a school bag, a pencil: simple items many families can’t afford, that
keep children out of class. This gift equips children with everything they need
to get to school and begin a life of opportunity.

When clean
water is scarce, girls are usually tasked with finding it, forcing them to miss
class. Community water solutions and training bring water and health to
families, lifting burdens so girls can focus on collecting an education.

Give this
gift and you’ll help play a pivotal role in the safe and healthy delivery of
thousands of newborns in developing countries. This gift supports maternal
health initiatives in parts of the world where maternal, infant and child
mortality rates are extreme.

Brian Henry has been a book editor, writer, and creative writing instructor for more than 25 years. He teaches creative writing at Ryerson University. He also leads weekly creative writing courses in Burlington, Mississauga, Oakville and Georgetown and conducts Saturday workshops throughout Ontario. His proudest boast is that he has helped many of his students get published.